We all know that this is how we should pray, like it’s really important. Why don’t we? In all fairness, I know people who do and do so regularly. But, I would venture to say that even they feel their prayer life ebbs and flows.

Why should that be? Why do we have periods of great prayer only to forget all about it the next day. It’s like a bible plan. All is well until one day we realize we haven’t read it for three days. Or, more…. How do we so quickly forget that which brings us so much joy only to remember again when life comes crashing in around us. In a sense, it’s good that life gets really difficult now and again because that is what snaps us back to God. In all fairness, we resemble the Israelites more than we would care to admit. They get delivered from Egypt yet forget all about God the moment Moses goes up the mountain. We, or maybe I should say “I”, do that regularly. Just think, I do that despite the fact that I have the Holy Spirit living RIGHT INSIDE OF ME! Imagine how I would wander if I didn’t? Do you ever think about things like that?

Let’s face it, we are only depriving ourselves when we wander. We are designed to be tight, tight with God, so anytime we drift from our bibles and prayer, we are going to a place we no longer are suited. How do we stay close to God? Discipline. Routine. Comradery.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control, in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

Daniel 6:10 When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.

Acts 2:42-47 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

I’m sure there is much more to be said about this, but this is off the top of my head. What if we did all this? Might we dare to expect great things as happened in days gone by?

Acts 4:23-31 When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And when they heard it, they lifted up their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and earth and sea and everything in them, who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, ‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed.’ – for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilot, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

Now, that’s what I’m talking about!

Father, raise up your church to pray like this. Raise them up to worship and pray big prayers. Raise them up to boldly proclaim the word of God with boldness. Blow life into churches that have gone stale and lost their edge. Cause such a restlessness within each person that they simply cannot walk as they have but rather MUST draw near to you. Create inside them a passion that will simply burst out no matter how they try hold it in. Father, raise them up! Amen.